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Neil Lennon deserves a chance to turn things around at Celtic | Pat Nevin

Neil Lennon's future as Celtic manager is likely to be decided in the coming days following more ...



Neil Lennon's future as Celtic manager is likely to be decided in the coming days following more talks with the club's bosses. 

The Hoops' chances of qualifying from the Europa League's group stages were ended last Thursday night and angry fans demanded Lennon's sacking after their defeat to Ross County in the Scottish League Cup on Sunday.

Celtic's chances of winning 10 successive league titles also look in jeopardy after falling 11 points behind their rivals Rangers but former Scotland winger Pat Nevin thinks Lennon should be afforded time to try and turn things around.

"They're not playing well," Nevin said on tonight's Off The Ball. "I was at the only game they've lost in the league this season against Rangers. They were rotten and deserved to get beaten in that game.

"They're 11 points behind in two games in hand and might win those two games. If they beat Rangers in January then they're two points behind, they have won the last 11 trophies in-a-row.

"Lennon's history with that club has been phenomenal with what he's helped to build. If we're in a situation where a guy can win that much and do that much while not getting the players he wanted last summer and then go out of one trophy. The European stuff doesn't count because they don't have the money to compete in that.

"To go out of one league cup, they're still in the league chase, how do you survive in the world of management if you win that many trophies and your job is in trouble?

"To be honest, they've not been good, decisions have not been good, the buys have not been good and it doesn't look like they're working for him so it might not be long for Lenny. I hope for his sake that he lasts 'til January 2nd, 'til the Rangers game.

"I think he probably deserves that but I know that Celtic fans will say 'we might lose our 10 in-a-row by then' and that it's not worth the chance."

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Celtic Neil Lennon Pat Nevin